How are sports different in single sex schools?


1. Article from a professional journal #1
Source:
Gehring, J. (2005). Researchers Say Girls Thrive in Single-Sex Gym Classes. Education Week, 25, 13.
http://0-web.ebscohost.com.helin.uri.edu/ehost/detail?sid=f55bd6a1-6fdb-44e4-849b-8c0d0ca1e973%40sessionmgr104&vid=1&hid=113&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=ehh&AN=18279874

Summary:
This article which was written by John Gehring who is the professor of exercise at the University of South Carolina-Columbia. The article focuses on girls and their participation in physical education classes. The article states that females that attend an all girls school or participates in just female physical education classes were more involved and gave more effort. This was also only for classes that included aerobics, dance and other activities that the girls are interested in.

My Reaction:
After reading this article I feel that it was very helpful do to the fact that it gave percentages and evidence of why girls will do better in single sex physical education classes. Back in 1950's it was normal for girls and boys to be separated for physical education classes, but due to the passing of TItle IX of the education amendments of 1972, which stopped sex discrimination physical education classes started becoming co-educational where girls started feeling self-conscious and less likely to participate.


2. Article from a professional journal #2

Source:
Thompson, F. Austin, W. (2009). The Gender Role Participation of Male Students at a Prestigious, Single-gender, Catholic High School. Education, 130, 3.
http://0-vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.helin.uri.edu/hww/results/external_link_maincontentframe.jhtml?_DARGS=/hww/results/results_common.jhtml.44

Summary:
This journal was written by two authors and is about the Gender Role Participation of male Students at a Prestigious, Single gender, Catholic High School. This journal stated the different levels of competitiveness that was presented in an all male private school. He presented multiple different cases of evidence supporting why males are more competitive and thrive in all male schools. W. Austin showed many different studies down on High school boys in controlled setting to support his case.

My Reaction:
I feel that these two authors hit the nail on the head, not only because i went to an all male Catholic High School and experienced what they were talking about first hand but also because all my good friends attend a public co-educational high school and I saw how they reacted to wins and losses.

3. Editorial/opinion essay from a local or national print/online news source

Source:
Catt, J. (April 1, 2008). Girls school: Combining sport and academic success.
http://johncatt.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/girls’-schools-combining-sport-and-academic-success/

Summary:
This essay was written by John Catt about Girls schools and how combining sports and academics is very successful. Chriz Poultney say's that “In an all-girl environment pupils can fully celebrate their individual and team achievements without being overshadowed by any male sporting prowess, prejudices or opinions. They are able to participate and blossom without embarrassment or a hidden agenda of worrying about what they look like whilst competing.” Combining sports with academic success is something girl schools do particularly well.

My Reaction:
I felt that this article made some interesting points such as how boys accomplishments in co-educational schools have a tendency to over shadow female sports accomplishments. Also stating that the more sports you play the more opportunity to develop a positive body image and a positive outlook on ways to stay or maintain those types of healthy lifestyles.

4. Analysis article from a magazine or newspaper (Newsweek, Time, or NYTimes):

Source:
Weil, Elizabeth. (march 2, 2008). Teaching Boys and Girls Separately.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/magazine/02sex3-t.html?ref=singlesexeducation

Summary:
I found this magazine on The New York Times website. This magazine was written by Elizabeth Weil and published on March 2, 2008, talking about teaching boys and girls separately. Studies of the public school system have revealed that girls tend to experience almost unconscious discrimination textbooks that stereotype women but mainly in the form of fewer athletic opportunities, and tests that are biased toward boys. At a single sex schools girls can escape from the fewer athletic opportunities due to the fact there are no boys around.

My Reaction:
I feel that there was a lot of her own opinion, but she did have some good facts like when she says school districts may receive funding for single-sex schools and classes if comparable courses and facilities are available for boys and girls and if the same amount of money is provided for each gender. three hundred and fifty of the smaller men's sports teams have disappeared in the past three decades due to this equal funding.



5. Summary article such as ERIC Digest or CQ Researcher report:

Source:
Goad, A. (2006). Single-Sex Physical Education Classes: The Women's Sports Foundation Position.
http://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/Content/Articles/Issues/Participation/S/Single-Sex-Physical-Education-A-Womens-Sports-Foundation-Position.aspx

Summary:
This was an article I found on Women's Sports Foundation talking about Single Sex Physical Education Classes. In this article Ashley Goad states that Physical Education is not the same as elite level sports. Its primary purpose is not competition but instruction. She also says physical differences between the sexes that do exist are not substantial enough to justify single-sex classes for all students because development among individuals varies.

My Reaction:
I feel that all throughout this article it is one sided and she is very against single sex physical education classes all due to the fact of the passing of Title IX of the education amendments of 1972. Which says that to improve the quality of physical education, classes need to be integrated in a way that creates a forum for success.